Think ahead, Hurricane season is approaching......Tornadoes can occur almost anytime of the
year.
Please consult your local county or state authorities or the American Red Cross to formulate
a family evacuation plan, have necessary supplies to get through at least 3 to 5 days. Be sure to remember to keep a
supply of food and water for your pets. Have a supply of prescription medicines on hand as pharmacies may not be operational.
Keep a well stocked first aid kit. Many outlets have good extended use kits, West Marine sells a good kit(400
Medical Kit) that can handle most emergencies. Contact the Red Cross or your local Fire Department for information
on First Aid/CPR Training resources in your community.
Batteries should be checked for freshness and replaced as needed. Keep 3 or 4 flashlights
on hand as well as a battery powered radio for information after a storm hits.
Do not operate generators in enclosed living spaces. Do not operate them inside your garage.
Outside is the only acceptable location, away from open windows or doors.Do not burn wood or charcol fires to provide
warmth or cook in enclosed living spaces. Use a propane grill outdoors, away from windows or doorways to cook. A battery powered
CO2 alarm can be a life saver, a must if you are planning to use a generator.
Stay clear of down power lines and trees (live wires can be hidden in debris). Report
down live wires to your local police/fire department. Use care if you store gasoline for generators, make sure containers
are closed tight, do not store flammable liquids around ignition sources such as water heaters or other areas where a spark
can ignite vapors. Gasoline needs to be rotated as it breaks down over time, use it in your mower and replace with fresh every
60 to 90 days. Best bet is to store it outside in a metal locker away from all ignition sources.
If you are not injured, keep telephone use to a minimum after an emergency, circuits get overloaded
and people with life threatening emergencies cannot get through. Remember 911 services are for life threatening emergencies
only. Use a battery powered radio or your TV to get updates on conditions. Make a call to a designated family member to let
them know you are OK, this will free up telephone lines from relatives calling to see how you are. Make sure you keep a vehicle
charger handy for your cell phone in case the power is out for extended periods. Remember, cell phone towers may have been
blown down in a severe storm, you may not have service where you are used to having it. Cellular circuits may become over
extended and you may not be able to make calls due to high volume of calls being placed.
Be prepared to fend for yourself for a minimum of 3 to 5 days as disaster aid is not always
immediate. Self reliance and thoughtful preperation is the best policy for surviving a severe storm and it's aftermath.
Staying alert to hazardous weather can save your life !!!
